Archive for the ‘Lake District’ Category

If you’ve still not thought of a plan to spoil your loved one this Valentine’s Day, then might we suggest a romantic cottage getaway in one of the most beautiful parts of the country: the Lake District. We still have some lovely cottages available for Valentine’s weekend and personally, I can’t think of a better present than announcing that you’ve booked your partner a surprise weekend away in the countryside! These pretty cottages in the Lakes are still available so take a look and get booking:

Rose Cottage, Great Urswick

For a getaway at a picture-perfect English cottage, look no further than Rose Cottage. This charming country cottage comes complete with oak beams, woodburning stove and a lovely village pub at the bottom of the road. The village of Great Urswick is just 3 miles from Ulverston and is often considered to be a hidden gem. There are plenty of scenic walks (with village pub pit-stops!) around the nearby tarn and all of the Lake District’s attractions are within easy driving distance, including the Haverthwaite and Lakeside Steam Railway and the South Lakes Safari Zoo.

Upper Tweenways, Ambleside

Upper Tweenways is positioned in the heart of the pretty village of Ambleside, with Lake Windermere just a few minutes’ walk away. This lovely cottage is very close to all the local amenities and the nearest village pub is just a 2 minute walk from the door. Ambleside is the perfect base when visiting the Lake District; guests can easily explore the surrounding fells and mountains and there are fantastic walking and mountain biking opportunities onto Loughrigg or Wansfell available from the doorstep! The picturesque towns of Grasmere and Hawkshead are also nearby for a change of scenery, where you can wander around the many charming shops and pubs.

Oaks Apartment, Newlands

This first-floor apartment in an 18th century farmhouse lies just 3 miles from Keswick and 4 miles from Braithwaite. Its high position in a relatively remote part of the Lakes means that Oaks Apartment benefits from stunning panoramic views across the surrounding countryside and fells, including Catbells and Robinson. Oaks Apartment is perfect for a peaceful, get-away-from-it-all Valentine’s break where you can spend some real quality time with your partner in a magical, rural setting.

If you’re still searching for the perfect romantic cottage for your Valentine’s getaway, you can find our full range of available cottages on our Valentine’s Day page. We still have beautiful cottages across the UK and Ireland that are not yet booked for Valentine’s but act quickly to make sure that you aren’t disappointed; these lovely cottages are sure to make for a Valentine’s Day to remember!

Louise loves reading, shopping, baking and cosy country pubs with log fires. A nice cup of tea will never be turned down. She has spent many childhood summers on the beach in Cornwall and walking the hills of the Lake District.

On the weekend of the 13th June, hundreds of plucky swimmers will take to the chilly waters of Windermere to partake in the Great North Swim; one of Europe’s biggest open water swimming events. For three days, swimmers of all abilities will compete in a range of distance swims, raising money for charity or simply enjoying a leisurely breaststroke in the midst of one of England’s most beautiful bodies of water.

If you’re one such brave bather who’s taking the plunge at this year’s event, you’ll need somewhere to dry your wetsuit after you’ve remerged from Windermere’s depths. That’s where we come in. With our range of holiday cottages to rent near Windermere that are available during the Great North Swim, you’ll have a wonderfully warm and ever-so dry place to return to after your dunk. What’s more, our Windermere cottages are perfect for sightseeing in the surrounding area, so you can make a long weekend out of your trip. Here’s a look at just three of our cottages that are available to rent near Windermere during the weekend of the Great North Swim.

Langdale Lodge 15

For those of you who prefer rustic accommodation; feast your eyes on Langdale Lodge 15, a detached log cabin located just metres from the shores of Windermere. Encased in dense woodland, this self-catering lodge offers a characterful place to stay for families or friends in the heart of one of the Lake District’s most coveted pockets of countryside. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a decked terrace complete with private hot tub, guests can enjoy a comfortable and peaceful stay within a stone’s throw of Windermere. What’s more, Langdale Lodge offers guests access to an indoor heated pool, sauna, gym and games area, making it the ideal choice for the budding bather who needs to soothe those tired muscles.

Holly Cottage

Located in the charming town of Bowness-on-Windermere with its cluster of cosy country pubs and mouth-watering eateries, Holly Cottage offers character accommodation for up to six guests. Furnished to a high standard and comprising original period features that date back to the 18th century, this semi-detached Windermere holiday rental is ideal for participants in the Great North Swim who are looking for a historic and characterful place to stay beside the shores of Windermere. The property features three good sized bedrooms, a comfortable sitting room with open fire, as well as a traditional cottage kitchen complete with exposed Lakeland stone wall. All in all, this attractive Windermere holiday cottage couldn’t be better placed for an invigorating short break in the Lake District.

High View Lodge

Boasting far reaching views over Windermere and its surrounding fells, High View Lodge is a spectacular five tick luxury log cabin that offers opulent accommodation for up to six guests. Dripping in style, this contemporary Windermere holiday rental is set in a secluded, elevated position, making it perfect for those in need of a peaceful, relaxing place to return to after a dip in the lake. Featuring three plush bedrooms, a stylish open-plan living area and a large private terrace, guests will live in the lap of luxury during their stay at High View Lodge. Like Langdale Lodge 15, the property offers unlimited access to an on-site heated pool, sauna and gym, making it the perfect choice for winding down after a gruelling swim.

Rent Windermere holiday accommodation with Sykes Cottages

Here at Sykes Cottages, we’re well aware of just how popular our Windermere holiday homes are. If you’re interested in renting any of the above properties, please get in touch a soon as possible as these dates won’t hang around for long! Alternatively, check out our Windermere cottages page, where you’ll find our complete range of Windermere accommodation.

To find out more about the Great North Swim, including information on how to get there and how to enter, please visit the Great Swim website.

Jonathan is a lover of books, music and good food. Originally from Yorkshire, there's nothing he likes more than a cycle in the country. One of his favourite spots in the UK is Tenby, where he spent many a happy holiday as a child.

The government has announced that the Lake District National Park is to be put forward as the UK’s next nomination for World Heritage Status, with the final decision expected to be announced in 2017. If successful, England’s famous national park will join some of the world’s most eminent heritage sites on UNESCO’s top heritage list, which currently includes the Taj Mahal, Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon and our very own Hadrian’s Wall. But after a string of failed bids dating back to the 1980s, how likely is it that the Lake District will be successful this time around?

Here at Sykes Cottages, we can’t really think of a more fitting nominee for the World Heritage bid. Peppered with historic sites and comprising many of England’s highest peaks and deepest lakes, the Lake District is one of the UK’s most cherished holiday destinations and one which has won the hearts of Britons since the days of William Wordsworth. That said, the uncompromising folk at UNESCO will need more convincing than that if they are to accept the Lake District’s bid. So, we’ve put together a list of fun facts about that the Lake District that we hope may make UNESCO stand up and take notice- or at least, inspire our loyal readers to pay the Lake District a visit themselves! So don your hiking boots, grab a compass, leash your pup and prepare yourself for a wander into the wonders of the Lake District with Sykes Cottages.

Ten golden nuggets from the Lake District

The Lake District is the UK’s largest national park, covering 885 square miles of untouched glens, time-forgotten hamlets and lofty peaks. Put simply, it’s a sight to behold.

The national park contains the highest mountain in all of England: Scafell Pike. Forming part of the district’s Southern Fells, Scafell stands at 978 metres (3,209ft) and is ascendable by a number of straightforward pathways. At its summit, hikers are treated to a breath taking panorama- so lace up those boots!

At the base of Scafell Pike lies Wastwater, England’s deepest lake. Formed by a glacier over 12,000 years ago, Wastwater is 243 feet deep, 3 miles long and half a mile wide. In 2007, ITV named the vista of Wastwater Britain’s favourite view, so you’ll want your camera at the ready as you take a stroll around its banks.

Although called the ‘Lake’ District, the national park only contains one lake (Bassenthwaite). The rest are actually waters, meres, or tarns. FACT.

The Lake District has had a huge impact on literature through the ages. From the poetry of Wordsworth, Byron and Coleridge, to the fables of Beatrix Potter, Arthur Ransome and Ernest Hemingway, the beauty of the Lakes has been rousing creativity for centuries.

Here’s some BIG numbers for you: The Lake District is home to around 14,650 archaeological sites, 275 ancient monuments, 1,760 listed buildings and 23 conservation areas- Need we say more UNESCO?

You’ll need your pac-a-mac and wellies for a stroll in Seathwaite, the wettest inhabited place in England. On average, 3500mm of rain fall on this soggy hamlet each year, compared to just 2060mm in nearby Ambleside.

Real ale fan? You’re in luck. The Lake District and Cumbria are home to more microbreweries than any other English county.

The Lake District is home to several ancient and rather unusual traditions. Local mutts are said to compete in ‘hound trails’- long distance races which require them to follow the scent of aniseed; and, weather hardened Lakeland gents still compete in a form of Westmorland wrestling popular amongst Vikings- so stay on their good side!

One of the Lake District’s most popular foodie exports is the Cumberland Sausage, a coiled sausage up to 50cm in length. Similar to the Cornish Pasty, the Cumberland Sausage was granted Protected Geographical Indication in 2011, so you can only enjoy this culinary treat within the Lake District’s borders.

Jonathan is a lover of books, music and good food. Originally from Yorkshire, there's nothing he likes more than a cycle in the country. One of his favourite spots in the UK is Tenby, where he spent many a happy holiday as a child.

Today at Sykes Cottages, we are celebrating National Poetry Day. Poetry is a subject that can often divide opinions with most people claiming to either love or hate it. For some, it’s a way to express themselves on a level that they just can’t reach through prose and for others it’s somewhat of a mystery. National Poetry Day is a celebration of poetry in every form and an attempt to make it accessible to everyone, everywhere. It aims to encourage and inspire Britain to discuss, write about and read poetry, but most of all, enjoy it.

So in honour of National Poetry Day, we’ve decided to make our own contribution by taking a look at some of Britain’s best loved poets and their origins.

William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high o’er vales and hills

William Wordsworth, born in 1770, is one of the most influential poets of the Romantic era. His works include ‘The Prelude’, ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ and a collaboration with fellow Romantic, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, ‘Lyrical Ballads’. Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth, an ancient market town nestled on the borders of the Lake District National Park. Although of medieval origins, the town has a heavy Georgian influence with most of the town being rebuilt during this period. Cockermouth is steeped in history and is a charming place to visit with modern day attractions including Cockermouth Castle which dates back to the Norman era and Wordsworth House, which is the birthplace of Mr Wordsworth himself. This beautiful Georgian townhouse is presented as the Wordsworth family home and is a must see for any literature fan.

Robert Burns

A fond kiss and then we sever; a farewell, and then forever!

Robert Burns is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, writing poetry and folk songs that are still commonly known today. Favourites include the traditional Hogmanay song ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and ‘A Red, Red Rose’. Born in Ayrshire in 1759, Burns was characterised by fierce national pride, radicalism, spontaneity and sincerity. So proud are the Scottish of his legacy that they dedicate a day to him each year. Burns Night is normally held on the 25th January every year, on the day that Burns was born and celebrates his life and poetry. Revellers make toasts, eat and read Burns’ ‘Address to a Haggis’. Fans of the Bard of Ayrshire can visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in the Alloway countryside which houses a awe-inspiring collection of his life and works.

Ted Hughes

Effortlessly at height hangs his still eye. His wings hold all creation in a weightless quiet

Ted Hughes has long been considered to be one of the greatest writers of his generation and was Poet Laureate from 1984 until his death in 1998. Born in 1930, Hughes led a life marked by both genius and tragedy with some of his most famous works include ‘The Hawk in the Rain’ and ‘Birthday Letters’. As a child, Hughes lived in the rural Yorkshire town of Mytholmroyd, but moved to Mexborough, South Yorkshire a few years later. The harsh moor landscape of his childhood is reflected in his work, much of which is predominantly concerned with nature and the impact of man on his surroundings. Hughes’ early work in particular, is influenced by the wildlife he encountered as a child. If you’d like to experience the places and landscapes that inspired his work, you can visit the area around Mytholmroyd and immerse yourself into the life and times of one of Britain’s best poets. Hughes’ first wife, the American poet Sylvia Plath, is buried in nearby Hepponstall.

If you’ve been inspired to take a trip to discover the origins of Wordsworth, Burns, Hughes or any other British poet, why not book a self-catering cottage for the duration of your stay. After all, what could be better after a long day of exploring than heading back to your holiday cottage and relaxing in front of a roaring fire with the works of your favourite poet?

Louise loves reading, shopping, baking and cosy country pubs with log fires. A nice cup of tea will never be turned down. She has spent many childhood summers on the beach in Cornwall and walking the hills of the Lake District.

While the British public laments the loss of what has been a beautiful British summer, I for one am looking forward to autumn with its crunchy leaves, damp mornings and shorter days. Why, you may ask? The simple reason is the delicious food that this season brings with it. Cosy comfort food and warm, satisfying meals are on the menu along with steaming hot drinks and freshly baked desserts, especially now that the beach season is behind us! Dining out is a favourite pastime of many here at Sykes and autumn, with its cooler temperatures, is the perfect time to indulge.

The Good Food Guide must be in agreement with this sentiment as they have recently published their new edition for 2014. The restaurant awarded the number one spot may come a surprise to many as it is nestled not in the heart of London but in the rolling countryside of the Lake District. L’Enculme, in the picturesque village of Cartmel, beat competitors such as restaurants owned by Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsay to be crowned the best restaurant in the UK. Elizabeth Carter, the guide’s consultant editor, elaborated on the decision stating that their “fantastic way with seasonal ingredients from the Cumbrian land and coast brings dishes that are a joyful celebration of this county’s magnificent diversity”.

As a result of such an achievement, we’ve been inspired to share with you some of our favourite cuisine originating from the Lake District.

Cumberland Sausage

Perhaps the most famous of the Lake District’s produce is the Cumberland sausage which is made of spiced pork with a predominantly peppery taste. They have a high meat content and a distinctly chunky texture as they are chopped rather than minced. A very satisfying and filling meal, these traditional sausages taste incredible in a casserole or smothered in caramelised onion gravy with mashed potatoes.

Seafood

Seafood is ever popular in the Lake District due to its abundance in the surrounding lakes and fells. One of the most common Lakes seafood dishes is potted brown shrimp caught by the local fisherman in Morecambe Bay. Served in an array of spices and butter, this dish is delicious served on warm toast. Another Lakeland delicacy is arctic char which can be found in the depths of Lake Windermere. A special licence is needed to catch char, which is a relative of salmon, and as a result it is considered a real luxury.

Traditional Lakeland Desserts

There are so many wonderful deserts to originate from the Lakes that it’s hard to pick just one! Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread is an all-time favourite with a closely guarded recipe that has been kept a secret since the 1850s. Sticky toffee pudding is also claimed to have been born in the Lakes. This delicious dessert consists of a steamed sponge cake covered in a toffee sauce and is normally served with ice cream or custard. It is a firm favourite in households across Britain. Finally, no discussion of traditional Lake District food is complete without a mention of Kendal Mint Cake. A simple blend of sugar, glucose, water and peppermint, Kendal Mint Cake is traditionally used by mountaineers and explorers to give them energy on their expeditions but is often enjoyed (in moderation) by those with a very sweet tooth.

If like me, you’re now watering at the mouth and ready to head to the Lakes at the next possible opportunity, don’t forget to take a look at our wide selection of self-catering cottages in the Lake District where you’ll be able to enjoy traditional Cumbrian food every day of your holiday!

Louise loves reading, shopping, baking and cosy country pubs with log fires. A nice cup of tea will never be turned down. She has spent many childhood summers on the beach in Cornwall and walking the hills of the Lake District.